Joc Pederson Activated by Rangers After Two-Month Absence Due to Fractured Hand

Joc Pederson has been activated by the Texas Rangers from the 10-day injured list, marking his return after missing two months due to a fractured right hand. The 33-year-old designated hitter/first baseman was immediately reinserted into the lineup, batting fifth as the DH in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Pederson sustained the injury on May 24 when he was hit by a pitch, and he had a batting average of .131 with two home runs and six RBIs in 46 games before his injury. To facilitate his return, the Rangers optioned utilityman Michael Helman to Triple-A Round Rock.